Warsaw introduces free public transport for veterans, including metro and regional trains
From July 8, military veterans and certain intelligence officers can travel free on all Warsaw public transport, including metro, buses, trams, and regional rail, across both ticket zones.
New rules in effect
On July 8, 2026, free public transport for military veterans came into force in Warsaw. The entitlement covers all means of transport belonging to the Warsaw Public Transport system: metro, buses, trams, Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM), Koleje Mazowieckie, and Warszawska Kolej Dojazdowa (WKD). The free travel is valid in both ticket zones of the capital. The Polish Armed Forces announced the change, which was advocated by the Center for Veterans of Operations Outside the Country.
Who is eligible
The benefit is available to anyone holding a veteran's ID card or an injured veteran's ID card. The rules also include officers of the Internal Security Agency (ABW) and the Foreign Intelligence Agency (AW), as specified in Article 4, points 16-18a of the Act of 19 August 2011 on veterans of operations outside the country. Passengers must carry their ID and present it during ticket inspections.
Advocacy and reaction
The Center for Veterans of Operations Outside the Country, a military institution supporting veterans of foreign missions, pushed for the introduction of free transport in Warsaw. Its director, Lt. Col. Dr. Katarzyna Rzadkowska, emphasized that the measure is a practical way to honor those who served.
Respect for veterans is best expressed through concrete actions. Free public transport rides are just such an action — needed and having real meaning for people who served Poland beyond its borders.
Other cities with similar schemes
Warsaw is not the first Polish city to offer free public transport to veterans. Lublin, Opole, Wrocław, and Poznań already have similar arrangements in place. The Warsaw decision extends the benefit to the country's largest urban transport network.
